Swimming with Humpback Whales is one of the Ocean’s Greatest Wildlife encounters HIGHLIGHTS: Learn how to get the most from your photographic equipment while spending 5 days in the water with the Whales.

Duration: 11 days Trip Code: 3VP17 Dates: 7th – 17th August, 2017 Includes: 5 Whale Days, Airfares, Breakfasts, Island Feast, Transfers, Tour Leader: Leighton Lum (Photography by Leighton)

Cost: $4, 890 AUD – Puataukanave Hotel Join expert photographer Leighton Lum and Quest Tours to enjoy one of Nature’s greatest interactive Wildlife experiences. We are the longest running LICENSED Travel Agent escorting tours to Vava’u. The privilege of swimming and photographing these gentle, intelligent mammals is truly life altering. Monday, 7th August, 2017 Arrive in Sydney International Airport from LAX. Depart Sydney SYD 17:50 on VA169 bound for Tonga

Tuesday, 8th August, 2017 (B) (Lunch and dinner at own expense) 01:20 arrive Nuku’alofa – Tonga. (Total flight time, 4 hours, 30 minutes – Tonga is 3 hours ahead of Sydney). We will then wait in a comfortable area nearby until we need to proceed to the domestic terminal. 08:00 depart Nuku’alofa on Real Tonga Airlines flight arrive Vava’u 09:00. Flight times may vary. You will be transferred to Neiafu township where you will have an orientation and breakfast before being transferred to your accommodation. This afternoon Leighton will check your equipment & conduct the first workshop on what to expect over the next few days.

Wednesday, 9th August – Saturday 12th August, 2017 (B, L) (Dinners at own expense) We have booked an exclusive whale expedition boat just for our group. The trips will be full days of action packed photographic opportunities over 6 – 7 hours. The captain will tailor the whale watching to match the photographic requirements of the group. Light lunch, fruit platters & refreshments are enjoyed whilst anchored off white sandy beaches. There will be many opportunities for snorkelling over tropical reefs and in open sea caves in the crystal clear water. It all adds up to being the best days out on the water imaginable.

Sunday 13th August, 2017 (B, L) (Dinner at own expense) As there is no commercial activity allowed on Sunday we have a day off to catch up with editing and revising all of the new skills learnt over the previous few days. For those who wish to explore the island for photographic opportunities there will be plenty of chances to capture sunrise, views and sunset over the harbor. Today we get to visit Enio beach for a traditional UMU (feast) wonderful photographic opportunities at the feast and the magnificent beach.

Monday 14th August , 2017 (B, L onboard) (Dinner at own expense) Once again we have booked an exclusive whale expedition boat just for our group. Tuesday 15th - Wednesday, 16th August, 2017 (B, D) (Lunch and Dinner at own expense) This is our last chance to experience island life and do some last minute shopping for T-shirts or souvenirs of your time in Tonga. This afternoon we leave Vava’u for the main island and our last night in paradise. We will all enjoy a celebration dinner in Nukua’lofa.

Thursday 17th August, 2017 (Breakfast available at airport café at own expense) Out of bed early to join our flight back to Sydney. Depart Nukua’lofa 0700, arrive 09:45 Sydney to await flight to LAX (Flight times are as at August, 2016 and subject to change at the whim of the airlines).
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